Vic Rattlehead on PEDs

Will Leitch wrote a column today that pretty well sums up my thoughts on PEDs in baseball:

...fans have made abundantly clear their views on players who have been connected to PEDs: They don't care.... Fans don't want it thrown in their face like with Bonds and company, and they're for drug testing and the suspension of those who are caught, but in a default scenario, they'd just as soon simply watch the games, thanks.

I have an out of sight, out of mind attitude towards PEDs. My preference is players adhere to the spirit of athletic competition and refrain from juicing, but I'm also aware this will never totally be true. I am not bothered by this reality and I do not care if some cheaters never get caught. While there is an "ignorance is bliss" element to my opinion, it mostly stems from a belief that most athletes are honest in their methods and only a small minority will always go too far while looking for an edge. Like a department store factoring theft into their budget, I accept the latter faction as an inescapable reality of sports. I don't care much about this because the degree to which I should is outweighed by other problems I'd rather worry about.

As long as some form of testing is in place and appropriate punishments are levied I don't believe any additional action is needed. The current system in MLB is sufficiently comprehensive and strict enough to provide a strong disincentive for those with a spotty moral compass. It's not going to catch everyone or prevent all juicing, but who cares? Let the hardcore cheaters do their thing and focus the rest of your resources on improving your product. Sometimes performing your due diligence is good enough.

Note: The Brew Crew Project will be off until next Friday as I'll be on the East Coast. I put the over/under on Brewers wins in my absence at 3.5. They have seven home games against the Phillies and Marlins. To demonstrate my homerdom, I'm taking the under.